CBS Don Banks predicts Paul Thompson as a strong likelihood

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; 10. New Orleans takes a late-round flyer on Paul Thompson: We'll grant you that the Oklahoma senior quarterback hasn't generated much pre-draft buzz, but you still might want to remember his name and see where he lands on the NFL ...

10. New Orleans takes a late-round flyer on Paul Thompson: We'll grant you that the Oklahoma senior quarterback hasn't generated much pre-draft buzz, but you still might want to remember his name and see where he lands on the NFL map. The Saints make sense, because with Drew Brees firmly entrenched as the starter, they'd have the luxury of time to groom a young quarterback with an impressive set of physical skills and intangibles.

Who's Thompson? He's the guy who bailed out coach Bob Stoops and the Sooners last season, leading Oklahoma to an 11-2 record and a surprise Big 12 Championship Game win over Nebraska before the Sooners' memorable Fiesta Bowl overtime loss to Boise State. That despite Oklahoma losing star running back Adrian Peterson for most of the season with a broken collarbone.

Thompson played receiver for most of 2005 after losing his QB job to Rhett Bomar, but when Bomar was kicked off the Sooners team in August 2006, Thompson rode to the rescue. While some in the NFL see him as another Michael Robinson, the ex-Penn State quarterback turned running back, Thompson is worth a look as a passer. He's 6-4, 220 pounds, and runs a 4.6. He has just the one season as a starting quarterback, but for a team that can afford to have a little patience with him, he could provide a huge payoff.

Strengths:
Has good size and a solid frame...Excellent athlete...Versatile...Very strong and a standout in the weight room...Has decent hands...Shows some elusiveness after the catch...Smart and a team leader with top intangibles...Still has some upside.

Weaknesses:
Timed speed is lacking...Has never been able to stay at one position and master it...Doesn't run great routes...Arm strength is average...Still makes too many bad decisions...Raw and will need a lot of work regardless of what position he plays.

I'd take him... just not as a quarterback. He did surprise me last year though after he made the switch. He was AWFUL the year Bomar beat him out... AWFUL awful. He looked decent last year. But hey, if he doesn't work out here, he would work out there. It's good to have versatility.

If he has a semi-decent arm, he'd be great to use as a fourth or fifth wideout and develop a few trick plays around, same as the Steelers did with Randle El. Would LOVE to see the things Payton could do with a guy like that.